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Ask the Experts: The gardener

Gloriosas (glory lily) are grown for their striking, tropical flowers that appear in summer. Common varieties are Gloriosa superba ‘Rothschildiana’, which has red and yellow blooms; the golden ‘Lutea’; and ‘Citrina’, which is orange and yellow. Tubers should be planted during the early spring in 6in terracotta pots filled with moist John Innes No 2 potting compost. Bury a single tuber vertically in the centre of each pot, ensuring the top is about 1in-2in deep. Place the pots in a well-lit conservatory or warm greenhouse and start watering once shoots appear. Feed every fortnight and mist the leaves regularly.

Climbing stems reach up to 6ft in height, so secure a wigwam of canes above each pot for support. Once the display has finished, let the stems die back naturally and then stop watering. Store the tubers over winter in